Zeigarnik effect

Zeigarnik effect

The Zeigarnik effect is a fascinating psychological phenomenon that influences our daily lives, even if we are not always aware of it. This concept was named after the Russian psychologist Bluma Zeigarnik, who discovered it in the 1920s.

The Zeigarnik effect describes the tendency of the human brain to remember unfinished tasks or unsolved problems better than completed tasks. In other words, if we start a task but do not complete it, it remains present in our minds and gnaws at our consciousness.

This effect can be observed in many areas of our lives. For example, you may remember moments when you started a to-do list but did not complete some tasks. These unfinished tasks seem to constantly float in your head until you complete them.

The Zeigarnik effect can also be used in advertising and marketing. Companies often use cliffhangers or incomplete stories to pique people's interest and make them want to know more. This happens because our brain tends to complete incomplete information.

Another interesting aspect of the Zeigarnik effect is that it can motivate us to complete tasks. When we have an unfinished task on our mind, we often feel an inner urge to finish it in order to get rid of the mental burden.

In today's digital world, where we are surrounded by constant distractions, understanding the Zeigarnik effect can help increase our productivity. By consciously dealing with unfinished tasks and developing strategies to overcome them, we can work more effectively.

To summarise, the Zeigarnik effect is an exciting psychological concept that influences the way we approach tasks, process information and are motivated. By becoming aware of its effect, we can organise our lives and work better and be more productive.

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